Nature & Wildlife Summer Camp - Mudumalai

Description

This summer, Outback Campground invites children and young nature-lovers to make that start and experience the great outdoors like never before, on our Nature & Wildlife Summer Camp - Mudumalai.Nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve boast of an array of fascinating flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.The forests of Mudumalai is rich in bamboo, teak, sandalwood and flame of the forest and this priceless habitat is the best remaining haven for the endangered tiger, leopard, Asiatic elephant, Indian wild dog and a plethora of life in all its sensational forms and colours.Activities are aplenty and will include wildlife safaris, bird-watching and trekking. Integral to the programme will be hands-on learning on nature conservation, photography, wildlife tracking, outdoor survival skills, star gazing and, not to forget, a whole lot of fun!Our family-run basecamp strikes the perfect balance between homely comfort and the spirit of adventure.

DAY 1:At the crack of dawn, we depart from the city of Bangalore and proceed to the much-awaited campsite in Mudumalai. After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, camp leader Phillip Ross and Samantha Ross will introduce the children to the Nilgiris with a brief on the wildlife found in the area, the afternoon’s safari plan and also a presentation on the ideal settings for their cameras for the evening safari.We’ll then find ourselves exploring the jungle in a converted Mahindra Bolero, which unlike the bigger canter, is a lot more quiet, photography friendly and better for tracking wildlife. We’ll keep our eyes peeled, not knowing what will be lurking around every corner and hope that the safari turns out to be a very successful one.Later that evening, we’ll gather around a campfire for a presentation on composition and discuss our safari experience, animal behaviour and the plan for the next day.We end the night with a session of entertainment followed by a delicious dinner.

DAY 2:We awake to the sweet calls of the birds found within the campsite and after a hot cup of coffee or tea, Phillip and Samantha will guide the group to the beautiful bird photography hide overlooking a bird bath. Here we have an assured opportunity to sight and capture stunning photographs of many species of birds up close, such as the red spurfowl, grey junglefowl, yellow-browed bulbul, rufous treepie, white-cheeked barbet, lesser goldenback and tickell’s blue flycatcher.After the birding session in the morning, we’ll return to the resort for a piping hot breakfast and soon after go for a walk around the property and Phillip will conduct another photography training session, with a lot of practical and hands on learning.Soon we hit lunchtime. The chef at the resort is renowned as one of the best in the area, and we can be assured of a meal that will pamper our taste buds. After lunch we rest awhile and prepare ourselves for an evening to remember.When we embark on another evening safari in Mudumalai, we will have a great opportunity to practice what we’ve learnt on the trip so far with regard to photography and tracking.We return just after sunset. If blessed with a clear sky, we will learn the art of star-gazing and spend the rest of the evening reminiscing about the sightings and experiences we’ve enjoyed on the trip.

DAY 3:On the final morning, we’ll return to the bird photography hide for a couple of hours and then go on a birdwatching trail in a quest for the white-bellied minivet and malabar lark.After breakfast and an entire morning spent birding, we’ll gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and driving back to Bangalore, where we are sure your child won’t be able to wait to tell you some fascinating tales.

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)

Bottled water

All safaris in Mahindra Bolero’s and entry fees

Camera fees

Exclusions: • Any extra meals and beverages ordered• Airfare, if applicable• Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Who is this camp for? Any child or teen between the ages of 10 and 16 is welcome to enrol for this camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.

My child is older or younger than 10 and 16. Can an exception be made?

The age group of the children has been carefully chosen keeping in mind the content and style of delivery. However, if your child is outside the age group and you’re interested in admitting him or her, please talk to us.

How many participants can be expected to attend?

A maximum of 8 children are expected. The USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the camp strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!

Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?We will be staying at guesthouse in Mudumalai. This is a beautiful campsite situated right at the base of the Nilgiri hills and overlooks the jungle. All children on camp will be staying in luxury rooms. The food served is a delicious buffet spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.

What all items should my child bring to this camp?

Once you register and pay for the camp, the camp instructor will send out the camp advice and general guidelines to every participant. This document will contain all the necessary information, a checklist of items to carry, etc.

Will my child be safe during the camp?

Don’t worry at all! Your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us. The camp instructor is well trained with regards to child protection and health and safety.

Tags

Camping

Naturewalk

Outdoors

Photography

summercamp

Things to carry

Will be sent as a separate document a few days before the camp/workshop

Terms & condition

Cancellation Fees would apply as follows:10% outside 30 days before the workshop25% between 29 and 22 days before the workshop50% between 21 and 15 days before the workshop75% between 14 and 8 days before the workshop100% within 7 days before the workshop